Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Too Tall Seat issues Too Tall Seat issues
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stoke UK
Posts: 70
Too Tall Seat issues
I'm struggling off road with my 2002 600E, as I can only place one foot at a time on the floor.

I'm too verticaly challenged to get both down together.

It's not a problem most of the time, but when I get stopped on something steep and slippy, where it's hard to get momentum up again, I really struggle, and generaly end up dropping the bike.

Sitting on the bike without a saddle on, makes it just the right size. Now I'm not too fussed about comfort, so I'm planning to cut the seat foam down. (Maybe I'll add a layer of memory foam or something to help).

Looking at the seat base, it's pretty concave, so I'm not sure how much better it will be. As with so many things though, an inch or so will make quite a difference to me.

Anyone had the seat cover off, perhaps to recover it, or to repair? How much foam is there under there?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Nov 2008
Bobmech's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BOP , New Zealand
Posts: 186
Have you adjusted(lowered) the rear shock spring height to it's lowest setting?
__________________
Remember that Assumption is the mother of all f**k-ups.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Nov 2008
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
On my Tenere I'm on my tip toes - on my 'normal' XT I'm OK on half to most of my foot.
I'm 5'10" with a 31" inside leg so I'm a bit 'average' in the height dept.

I guess if you want to ride this type of bike you have to understand the 'size' issues - IT'S A BIG BIKE!!!

Don't get me wrong - if you can modify then do it but don't complain when it gets the better of you!!!
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stoke UK
Posts: 70
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobmech View Post
Have you adjusted(lowered) the rear shock spring height to it's lowest setting?
It's set where I got it, the length of the spring is compressed as little as adjustment allows, which is where (I think) I need it in order to get a reasonable amount of static sag, and a soft enough action for my low weight. I think that this is minimum preload, and so gives me most sag, and lowest height.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

Tenere Tom - When you're a short arse like me, every bike is a BIG BIKE. I've gotten used to hustling BIG BIKES around, and I can do it a lot better than a lot of BIG BLOKES can.

I'm not complaining, I'm just looking to see if I can modify a bike that suits me down to the ground, into a bike that spends less time on the ground!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Birmingham,England
Posts: 140
Lowering xt600....
Hi, I am 5'6", and always have problems with the ground being too far away ...when on my bike. However KEDO ( a German Yamaha specialist) do a 35mm lowering kit for xt600s the kit includes a rear lowering link and some front fork tubes and an adjustable side stand (this has to be welded into the original stand). This along with some work on the seat ( when inserting a gel pad) means by the time the bike is loaded I can comfortably get both feet on the ground.I have a kit that I bought and never used, I will accept £120 plus postage. The current price is 190 euros, part number 50223 (the pic on the site shows dog bone links the kit is in fact a y link)

Regards Jimmy
Attached Thumbnails
Too Tall Seat issues-dscf1074.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Nov 2008
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Hi all.. well , I'm 5'8" and I got no problems getting on my 1990 XT600E... both feet full on the floor... my mom is 5'2"/5'3" and she can only touch with one foot on floor (tip only lol)

I bet you would want to kill me if I said I want a stronger and maybe a higher rear shock which I do want lol

Have fun

Vando
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Nov 2008
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
Hi Im 5,7 and I have a New Tenere yes its a stretch to the floor, but I am used to tall offroad bikes. My bro has an XT 600 and i find it a great height.

Look at a lowering kit and cutting some padding from the saddle.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Nov 2008
Tenere99's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 177
don't do it
Hi, if you cut the seat foam down you will have a sore arse and short legs. lokk around for an aftermarket seat.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stoke UK
Posts: 70
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmy46 View Post
I have a kit that I bought and never used, I will accept £120 plus postage.
Regards Jimmy
I appreciate the offer Jimmy, but I'll have to pass on it at the moment.

Thanks for the ideas, please keep them coming, they're all appreciated.

I was hoping to get maybe just the links and drop the forks an inch in the yokes, and hopefully shave at least an inch off the seat.

Sound do-able?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SE england
Posts: 96
[quote=bacardi23;215653]
("I bet you would want to kill me if I said I want a stronger and maybe a higher rear shock which I do want lol")

Me also! I am embarassed that I CAN get both feet flat on the floor when I am supposedly on a rufty tufty 'dirt' bike. Does anyone still manufacture rear end raising kits for 4PTs?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stoke UK
Posts: 70
[quote=xtorange;215949]
Quote:
Originally Posted by bacardi23 View Post
("I bet you would want to kill me if I said I want a stronger and maybe a higher rear shock which I do want lol")

Me also! I am embarassed that I CAN get both feet flat on the floor when I am supposedly on a rufty tufty 'dirt' bike. Does anyone still manufacture rear end raising kits for 4PTs?
Good grief! Raising kits! You've got to be kidding....
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Wntd UK. BMW R80/100GS seat/seat base val. h. TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 14 Nov 2008 13:42
Truck seat with removable seat fittings and tracking from Unwin Safety nickdisjunkt Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 22 Oct 2008 10:31
Anyone else freakishly tall out there? Too Tall Which Bike? 7 16 Aug 2007 22:00
1200 GSA, too tall? J. Cadena BMW Tech 2 7 Feb 2007 12:59
TT600R tall seat? Laromonster Yamaha Tech 0 11 Jun 2006 18:13

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:56.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top